Cycle-chain cleaner



(N0 Model.)

Pat'ented lah. 3, |899.

J. C. CCNN.

CYCLE CHAIN CLEANER.

(Application led Apr. GQ 1898.)`

Y A Tron/wrs.

ms Nonms PETERS co.. Puu'muna, WASHINGTUN, D. c`

ll'ivrrn JOSEPH C. CONN, OF ILION, NEV YORK.

CYCLE-CHAIN CLEANER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 617,224, dated January3, 1899. Application tiled April 6, 1898. Serial No. 676,65 '7. (Nomodel.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOSEPH C. CONN, of Ilion, in the county of Herkimerand State of New York,have invented a new and Improved Cycle-ChainCleaner, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

K My invention relates to an improvement in devices intended for use incleaning chains, particularly cycle-chains.

My invention consists of certain novel features of construction, whichwill be hereinafter described and claimed.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part ofthis specification, in which similar characters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of my device, showing the reservoir partlyin section. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the upper end of my device,showing the wheel in section. Fig. 3 is a sectional plan taken upon theline 3 3 of Fig. l, and Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a reservoirwhich may be attached directly to the base without using a separateholder.

Upon a base of any suitable form, but which is herein shown as a tripodA, is supported a standard. This standard is formed in two partsadjustable one upon the other. As herein shown, the lower part consistsof a pipe B, which is directly supported upon the tripod, and the upperpart consists of a rod C, which slides within the pipe B. These partsare provided with means by which the two parts may be secured in anyadjustment. This clamping device may be of any suitable form, but asherein shown is constructed as follows: The upper end of the pipe B hasa slot b extending through both sides thereof and permitting of the endsbeing brought together by a clamp. Surrounding the upper split end ofthe pipe is a collar I, which has lugs, between which is pivoted a leverH. The head of this lever is eccentric and engages one side of the splitend of the pipe B. When the lever is in one position, the rod O isreleased, and when thrown in the other position the rod is clampedbetween the two parts of the pipe. y

Upon the upper end of the rod O is pivotally supported a Wheel E orother device adapted to receive the chain. This wheel has a hub Dextending toward the standard Gand supported therefrom. This wheel maybe xed upon the standard or made adj ust'- able thereon. It is providedwith means for turning it; which may consist of a handle or anysuitable` power connection. As herein shown, the wheel is without anyrim, the chain L resting upon the ends of the arms in a manner similarto the wheel used for operating chain-pumps. A pulley may, however, beused in place of the wheel. The ends E of the wheel-arms are made ofsuch shape as to receive the cycle-chain, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. Atany point in the course of the chain are placed brushes G. These areherein shown as mounted upon an arm or bar F, which is adj ustablysecured by a clampingbolt or set-screw f to the bar C a short distancebeneath the wheel E. These brushes may, however, be located at anyconvenient point, as upon the well or reservoir K. As herein shown, thebrushes are cylindrical and are free to rotate upon their pivots.Stationary brushes may, however, be substituted therefor, althoughcircular or cylindrical brushes lare preferred.

Upon the base of the device is secured a frame J, within which is placeda reservoir K for holding oil or any substance used for cleaning orlubricating the chain. The reservoir is formed of any suitable material,but preferably of sheet or cast metal, and sits within the frame J,which is supported from the standard or is otherwise supported upon theframe beneath the wheel E.

In Fig. 4: a form of reservoir is shown which may be attached to theframe or tripod without using a separate holder. This consists of a cupK, made of cast metal, having hooks 7a so placed as to engage the armsof the tripod and be supported thereby. This cup might be made of sheetmetal and have the p reservoir K are arranged at such a distance apartthat the lower loop of the chain drops within the reservoir K, but isheld a slight ICQ distance from the bottom thereof. The Wheel E is thenturned, which causes the chain to pass through the cleaning materialplaced in the reservoir, and thus be freed of the dirt and greasethereon. For this purpose benzin, gasolene, or any similar cleaningmaterial will be used. After the chain has been thoroughly cleaned thereservoir is removed and another reservoir put in its place or the firstreservoir emptied and returned. The reservoir is then filled with oiland the chain turned a sufficient number of times to thoroughly coverand lubricate it with oil. By this means a chain may be quickly andthorougly cleaned and oiled without it being necessary to directlyhandle the chain. As the distance between the wheel and reservoir can beregulated the device may be set for chains of any length.

To prevent the oil or cleaning liquid from flying off the chain andsoiling neighboring objects, a guard M is provided, which consists of astrip of sheet metal bent so as to cover the chain-Wheel and extendingdownward alongside the chain. It is supported from the rod C by an armit attached thereto. If desired, the guard may be made to entirely coverall or a part of the device.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent- 1. A chain-cleaning mechanism, comprising abase, a hollow standard rising therefrom, an extension of said standardsliding within the hollow lower portion, a clamp for securing the two inany position, a wheel mount-ed to turn upon said extension, and a wellor reservoir adapted to receive the lower loop of the chain when it ishung upon the Wheel substantially as described.

2. A chain-cleaning mechanism, compris'- ing a base, a hollow standardrising therefrom, an extension of said standard slidable within thehollow lower portion, a clamp for securing the two in any position, awheel mounted to turn upon said extension, and a well or reservoiradapted to receive the lower loop of the chain when it is hung upon thewheel, and an arm upon said standard carrying brushes adapted to engagethe chain, substantially as described.

JOSEPH C. CONN.

Witnesses:

ROBT. E. HAsTINcs, ED. BEEsLEY.

